The Baltimore County union. [volume] (Towsontown, Md.) 1865-1909, 1887-05-28
Correspondence Baltimore County Union.
LETTER FROM BALTIMORE.
The National -Washington's
Tomb-The President and the Tenn
perance Problem-Saturday
Half Holiday, sc.

BALTIMORE, May oath, 1887.
Messrs. Editors The national encampment
commenced yesterday at Washington and was at
tended from most of the states. 1t will continue
for several days. Not so many soldiers or civil
ians were present anticipated, although it is ex-
pected that very many will visit the Capital dur
ing the encampment. The greatest crowd will be
there during the closing days of the encampment.
There was not much done of interest in military
line during the opening day. The men were most
ly engaged preparing for what is to come here,
after. The encampment is beautifully situated
and visited by many persons who were much
pleased. 1t is expected it will be grand affair
altogether and purely national. The season of
the year selected for its assembling could not be
more beautiful nor Washington more lovely. The
Capitol grounds and all other portions of the city
are peculiarly charming. Those who saw Wash
ington some years ago would be amazed at the
improvement in every respect as now presented.
It is alone worth seeing. In many respects it is
the handsomest city and most attractive in the
Union or indeed in the world. In the course of
time it will be unrivalled. 1t is well worthy be-
ing called after the Father Of his Country. A
visit now to Mount Vernon, Washington's old
home, owned by the country, could not be more
attractive have been there at this season OF the
year and imagined never saw more attractive
place. taking in all the "reminiscences and scenes
connected Herewith. II was my pleasure to de-
liver an Grafton several years ago 70 the National
Convention of Printers, who were there from all
parts Of the United States about this time OF the
wear. There were several hundred present. II
was 9 charming day. Everything was lovely,
green and howery, and the bright, glossy Potomac
IN front and washingtOn's remains and those Of
bis wife reposing in death near. 1 shall never
forget that occasion. / thought 1 could almost
converse with the dead soldier and patriot, though
dead nearly a century. All present with rs we're
charmed and delighted, carrying home remember
ances which never can be forgotten, though many
present then have gone to their long homes
Those therefore, who visit Washington city now
10 see the Grand national eneampment, whether
they have been before or not, should BY all means
20 10 Mount Vernon again, at this peculiar sea-
son before they 20 home. Such a scene will live
indeIibly upon their memories 1 have been 10
the place often and each time, like an ott-cut
forest, il springs up greensr, stronger, fresher,
more beautiful than before We expect 10 see
MANY of those who visit Washington during the
eucampment pay their respects TO Baltimore to see
our city and enjoy its Inequalities and pleasures
Quite a number Of persons have passed the civil
service examination questions and are now ready
10 make application for office. suppose some OF
them NAV prove fortunate in getting places, but
Of course some viii be disappointed. There is
many slip between the cup and lip. 30 It is IN
everything Let me wish them luck according to
their merits.
/ see that President Cleveland, like every other
sensible gentleman, is in favor Of temperance and
the Temperance cause, but like ST. Paul. is IN favor
of taking little wine for the stomach sake. There
seems 10 be indications of the cause increasing,
but it will prosper until 1t Is separated from
politics. 1t must stand on its own merits.
good cause must be Of this order. 1t is always
wrong to drink too much ardent spirits. oensloie
men should know this. :,
The neonle are heartily in favor of q half holi
day on Saturdays. This is an old German custom
long in use by them. In some parts OF Maryland
this custom has been observed for many years,
especially in Frederick city, where 1t has prevail
ed every Saturday afternoon for more than nun
dred years and is still kept up and some OF the
church bells regularly ring at three o'clock on
Saturday. 1t is still Kept up almost rehgiousiy
even now. .
I observe that Gen. Grants tomb at Riverside
Park is to be decorated with flowers next Monday.
The time is coming and not far off when the day
of his birth-like Washington's-will be kept as
national holiday as the protector of that liberty
preserved to US which Washington gained.
The brewers of the United States commence
their annual convention here tomorrow. There
are now about 100 delegates present Mayor
Hodges is to welcome their presence as regular
business affair. He does not look upon 1t as hav-
ing any connection with temperance.
/ am glad to see that Towsontown is in fair
way to have its artesan we'll and good, pure water
before long. 1t cannot but be most welcome. l
hope you may be successful.
There was another meeting last night OF the In
dependent Democrats who profess to reform the
party within the party. Mr.. Cans, Deputy state.
Attorney, was one among the speakers. Hon
George Cotton, ex-Police Commissioner, was also
there. Mr. Cans was quite potent in his argument
in favor of his side of the house. Let him take
care he don't reform out of Democracy, if success
full, many Democratic voters who came over from
the old Know othingism in Plug Ugly times
| Mr. Cotton said he agreed with Mr.. Cans in all n
racy as party anyhow.
Our hydrant water is slightly improved but it il
still very bad and smells for all the world like deaf
| fish. There can be no mistake of its being faint
| ed in some way with fish. NEsToR.